摘要:
A method and apparatus for joining vehicles such as spacecraft is disclosed that utilizes a capture and berthing technique. The coupling apparatus comprises a first coupling unit (12) having a generally rigid extensible structure (34) that is mountable to a first spacecraft (14) and a second coupling unit (16) having a probe-like structure (80) mountable to a second spacecraft (18) which is cooperable with the extensible structure (34) to effect vehicle coupling. The first and second spacecraft are maneuvered so as to generally align the coupling apparatus thereon, after which the extensible structure (34) is extended to engage and capture the probe-like structure (80). Following capture of the second coupling unity by the extensible structure (34), the extensible structure (34) is subsequently retracted to effect berthing of the first and second spacecraft. Once the spacecraft coupling units have been captured and berthed in the foregoing manner, they can be structurally joined by appropriate coupling apparatus.
摘要:
A spacecraft is disclosed which comprises a spacecraft body, at least one solar array (44,) extendible outwardly from the spacecraft body, and articulation means (80, 82. 84) for adjusting the position of the solar array (44,) relative to the spacecraft body independently about three axes, each of which is orthogonal to the axis adjacent to it Each articulation means comprises a first rotatable coupling (80) for permitting rotation of the solar array (44,) about a first axis substantially parallel to the surface of the spacecraft body, a second rotatable coupling (82) for permitting rotation of the solar array about a second axis normal to the first axis, and a third rotatable coupling (84) for permitting rotation of the solar array about a third axis normal to the second axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the array.
摘要:
Procédé et appareil permettant de joindre des véhicules tels que des véhicules spatiaux, et utilisant une technique de capture et d'arrimage. L'appareil de couplage comprend une première unité de couplage (12) ayant une structure extensible généralement rigide (14) pouvant être montée sur un premier véhicule spatial (14) et une seconde unité de couplage (16) ayant une structure en forme de sonde (80) pouvant être montée sur un second véhicule spatial (18) et coopérant avec la structure extensible (34) pour effectuer le couplage des véhicules. Les premier et second véhicules spatiaux sont manoeuvrés de manière à s'aligner avec l'appareil de couplage, après quoi la structure extensible (34) est déployée pour engager et capturer la structure en forme de sonde (80). Après la capture de la seconde unité de couplage par la structure extensible (34), cette dernière (34) est rétractée pour effectuer l'arrimage des premier et second véhicules spatiaux. Après capture et arrimage des unités de couplage des véhicules spatiaux, ils peuvent être réunis au niveau de la structure par un appareil de couplage approprié.
摘要:
A modular spacecraft system adapted for orbital flight is capable of expansion by the connection of at least two substantially identical spacecraft modules (20), each of which is capable of independent operation. Each spacecraft module comprises a spacecraft body (21), at least one solar array (44, 46;) extendible outwardly from the spacecraft body, and at least one structural interface means (36) for connecting one spacecraft module to another spacecraft module. Methods for deployment of a spacecraft system utilizing a reusable space vehicle are also disclosed.
摘要:
A docking apparatus (20) for coupling two spacecraft comprises a rigid pressure vessel (22) having an internal passage, and first and second ports (24,28) connecting with the interior. The planes of the docking ports form an oblique angle with one another, causing the docked spacecraft to assume a canted or inclined position relative to other. The cant angle eliminates mechanical interference between the adjoining structures of the docked spacecraft. Methods for carrying out docking are also disclosed.